Social dance known from oral tradition from England and Scotland.
In the south of England the dance has become well-known as “The Dorset Four Hand Reel”, having been published under that title by the EFDSS. The published version is derived from Peter Swann and Tony Parker who ran an EFDSS group called the Ashmore Dancers. The version from oral tradition is somewhat different. Notations for the dance, and the relevant steps as recalled from oral tradition have been collected from:
Mrs Gertrude Burton – notation for the dance and her step.
Mrs Ann Clayton – notation for the dance and steps.
Mr John Cook – formation of the dance and a step.
Mr Norris – brief details of the dance and steps.
Information derived from interviews by T.M.Flett and J.F. Flett with Gertrude Burton. undated, a 2nd interview with her, also undated, with Ann Clayton, undated, Mr & Mrs Anning, undated, John Cook, undated and with Mr Norris, undated.
In Cumbria/Yorkshire the dance formed part of the repertoire of:
Richard Allan of Langwathby
Mr Garnett, a dancing master operating in the Wicham area in the 1820s
Robert Carson Robinson, operating in the Millom and Barrow areas.
Information derived from correspondence/interviews by Tom Flett with: